Samuel Francis Smith
1808–1895 · United States · Classical
Samuel Francis Smith (1808-1895) was an American Baptist minister, missionary, and prolific hymn writer who profoundly shaped American Protestant hymnody during the nineteenth century. He is best known for composing "America" (set to the tune of the British national anthem), one of the most recognizable patriotic songs in American history, written in 1832 when he was a theological student. Beyond this iconic work, Smith authored over 150 hymns that reflected Baptist theology and were widely adopted in churches across America, including popular hymns such as "The Morning Light Is Breaking" and "Missionary Hymn." His contributions to American hymnody extended beyond composition; as a minister and missionary educator, he influenced multiple generations of church musicians and congregational worship. Smith's legacy represents the vital intersection of American nationalism, Protestant theology, and popular musical culture in the nineteenth-century United States.
Hymn Texts (26)
- My Country Tis of Thee
- The Morning Light is Breaking
- Jesus Thy Church with Longing Eyes
- Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord
- Christ be My Leader
- Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
- Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ
- Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us
- For Perfect Love So Freely Spent
- Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
- If Then You Have Been Raised with Christ
- Jesus on the Mountain Peak
- Look Toward the Mountain of the Lord
- Lord, as the Day Begins
- Not for Tongues of Heaven's Angels
- O Son of God, in Galilee
- Saints, See the Cloud of Witnesses
- The Saints in Christ Are One in Every Place
- What Hope! An Eden Prophesied
- What Joy to Join the Chorus
- Within the Father's House
- Go, Make Disciples
- In Holy Conversation
- Song of Hannah
- Christ, the Sure and Steady Anchor